Rise and fall

In the 15th century, the Kosača family ruled the area of Hum (Herzegovina) and was one of the most powerful noble families in the Kingdom of Bosnia. There are assumptions that the family was named after the village of Kosač near the Piva and Tara river. The influence and power of Kosača can be seen during the time of the first Bosnian king Tvrtko I. With the accession of Jelena Gruba to the throne, the power of the nobility, both Hrvatinić and Pavlović, and Kosač was further strengthened. In this, but also in the following periods, the territorial expansion and political power of this noble family can be traced. It is not disputable that he is involved in higher political affairs, primarily referring to the conflict between Sigismund and Ladislav of Naples.

Prince Hrana Vuković is taken as the ancestor, and his sons and other heirs significantly expand the territory. The initial area they managed referred to Prijepolje, Nikšić, Boka Kotorska, Pljevlja and the area of Cetina. In later periods, they spread to the entire territory of Hum, and towards the end of the Kingdom, their territory began to be called Herzegovina. Due to the expansion of the area to Hum, they are sometimes called Hum nobles. The peak of their power and influence can be seen in the time of Sandalj Hranić and Stjepan Vukčić. Their power and success are evidenced by the data on opposing the king, other nobles in Bosnia at that time, and at first cultivating friendly relations with the Ottomans.

Furthermore, territorial stagnation, loss of power and almost complete loss of possession began towards the end of the reign of Stjepan Vukčić Kosača. With the marriage of Katarina Kosača, the daughter of Stjepan Vukčić, to the Bosnian king Stjepan Tomaš, he began to cultivate friendly relations with the state leadership. However, it should be noted that even after the blood connection with the royal dynasty, conflicts are visible. Finally, with the fall of the Kingdom of Bosnia in 1463, the political and territorial uplift of this family came to an end. The resistance of some members lasted until the begin-ning of the 16th century, when the Ottomans occupied most of their territory.

Finally, it is important to mention that one of Stjepan Vukčić Kosača sons, Stjepan, converted to Islam and entered the service of the Ottoman Empire under the new name Ahmed-paša. During his life he succeeded in advancing in state affairs and was one of the Sultan's closest associates.

Cultural, historical and natural heritage

A total of 200 sites representing cultural, historical and natural heritage, as well as other tourist offer were processed. They are divided into five groups. Cultural and historical heritage; natural heri-tage; active tourism; eno-gastro and accommodation. Cultural and historical is a heritage from different historical periods, among which the historical sites under the administration of the Kosača family are of special importance for this route. The backbone of this route is represented by the fortresses in Mostar, Ljubuški and Stolac, and the medieval necropolis of the stećak tombstones of Boljuni (Stolac). The fortress in Mostar (Stjepangrad) is the administrative center of the Hum country under the administra-tion of Duke Stjepan Kosača, and the same ruler had another fortress built in Ljubuški. Historical sourc-es also testify that the Kosača family at one time managed the site "Stari grad Vidoški" in today's Stolac.

The stećak, which belongs to the military leader and manager of Hum land from the Kosača family, Vlatko Vuković, brings special value. It is buried in the necropolis of the Boljuni stećak tombstones, which is one of the most representative monuments of this type of heritage. In that sense, I finally suggest the “Kosača Family” route; Stjepangrad (Blagaj) - the fortress of Duke Stjepan Kosača (Ljubuš-ki) - The Old Town of Vidoški (Stolac) - the necropolis of the Boljuni stećak tombstones.

To this area, of course, belongs a number of other archaeological sites that testify to the continui-ty of life from prehistory to the present day, but also other diverse potentials. For example, in addition to hydrological potential, natural heritage has the historical value of communication and connecting the entire western Herzegovina with the Adriatic Sea, since prehistoric times. Therefore, this route can be enriched by the impressive waterfalls Kravica and Koćuša, the source of the Buna, as well as the wetlands of Hutova blata. Active tourism offers different dimensions for people who enjoy a hybrid combination of visiting cultural and natural sights and active holidays. In this sense, in this area you can experience paragliding over the fortress of Herceg Stjepan Kosača in Ljubuški, cycling and running on historic trails or along the pond of the river Trebizat, kayaking or canoe safari, off road safari, sport or recreational climbing, zip line, recreational riding etc. similar activities. An unavoidable part of the offer are gastronomic delicacies and numerous accommodation facilities. First of all, Herzegovina has a long tradition of viticulture and local varieties from which top wines are produced. In addition, it boasts top-quality olive oils, honey and similar home-made products. Among the eno-gastronomic experienc-es, it should certainly be pointed out that some catering facilities also offer meals called "Herzegovinian plate" or "Herzegovinian cake".